Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for accredited LPN schools near Brookfield
Demand for licensed practical nurses in the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area remains steady as healthcare systems expand outpatient and long-term care services. Brookfield’s location gives residents access to accredited LPN programs within a 75-mile radius, from Milwaukee technical colleges to campuses in surrounding counties.
Choosing a program means weighing net tuition (ranging from under $10,000 to over $25,000) against NCLEX pass rates, clinical hours, and schedule flexibility. A high first-time pass rate signals strong preparation for the licensing exam.
New LPNs entering the market can expect steady demand, particularly in long-term care settings where wages often exceed the national median for the occupation.
The following ranking highlights accredited LPN programs within realistic commuting distance of Brookfield, including several Wisconsin Technical College System campuses and one private hybrid option in the southeast region. Programs are ordered by institutional quality, affordability, and fit for Brookfield-area learners, with part-time formats and multiple campus locations noted where available. All graduation rates shown are institution-wide figures, not program-specific outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | $10,000/yr (est. net price) | Working adults needing evening and weekend classes | |
Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland offers a part-time practical nursing diploma designed for working adults, with evening classes and clinicals scheduled late afternoon and weekends. The ACEN-accredited program keeps tuition and supplies under $8,000 and reports NCLEX-PN pass rates above the national average. Students train at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Health Care Excellence, and a bridge option for medical assistants supports faster entry into the field. ACEN accredited
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| #2 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Brookfield-area commuters wanting campus flexibility | |
Moraine Park Technical College offers a practical nursing exit point within its associate degree nursing program, with classes at Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and West Bend campuses. The ACEN-accredited pathway allows students to sit for the NCLEX-PN after two semesters and continue toward an RN if they choose, with strong licensure pass and job placement results. Total program tuition is about $12,152 for in-state learners, and the waitlist reflects high demand.
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| #3 | Herzing University-Kenosha | Kenosha, WI | ~$23,000/yr (est.) | Accelerated learners preferring hybrid online format | |
Herzing University's Kenosha campus delivers a 12-month hybrid diploma in practical nursing that blends online general education with on-campus nursing courses and clinical training. The ACEN-accredited program requires TEAS and a 2.0 GPA, and offers rolling admissions with a waived enrollment fee. Graduates can continue into Herzing's ASN or BSN pathways without leaving the area. ACEN accredited
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| #4 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton is a public Wisconsin Technical College System campus offering a full-time practical nursing diploma with a 30-credit curriculum and a 2.8 GPA requirement. The ACEN-accredited program has a waitlist due to high demand, and students must complete an ACT skills assessment. Total program tuition is $5,306, making it one of the lowest-cost options in the state. ACEN accredited
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| #5 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | $4,900 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northcentral Technical College in Wausau provides a 32-33 credit practical nursing technical diploma with a candidate status for ACEN accreditation. The program requires a 2.5 GPA and ACT scores, charges no application fee, and offers clinical practice across the lifespan with credit for prior learning. Graduates can bridge into the college's LPN to ADN pathway.
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| #6 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay offers an ACEN-accredited practical nursing diploma at four campuses, with both full-time and part-time schedules. The 34-credit program reports a 92% first-attempt NCLEX-PN pass rate and 97% job placement, and all credits transfer into the associate degree nursing program. A medical assistant to PN bridge is also available. ACEN accredited
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| #7 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire delivers a one-year, face-to-face practical nursing diploma with ACEN accreditation and a total tuition of $7,788. The 32-credit program reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 86% job placement, with Mayo Clinic among graduate employers. Students can continue into the college's associate degree in nursing. ACEN accredited
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The NCLEX-PN pass rate tells you what percentage of graduates from a program passed the national licensing exam on their first try. It’s one of the strongest public indicators of how well a school prepares students for the realities of practical nursing. Below are the most recent first-time pass rates for LPN programs within a 75-mile radius of Brookfield, drawn from the Wisconsin DSPS 2024 annual report.
For context, the most recent national average first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for all candidates was 74.5% in 2023. Each of these area programs outperforms that benchmark, with Blackhawk Technical College and Herzing College (WI) significantly exceeding it. A statewide Wisconsin average is not published separately in the DSPS report, but these figures suggest strong program quality across the region.
A program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate is closely monitored by state boards of nursing. Sustained low pass rates can trigger probation or loss of approval. For students, a high rate signals that the curriculum aligns with exam expectations and that clinical training is effective. When comparing programs, look for rates consistently above the national average over multiple years, not just a single spike. Ask admissions if they provide tutoring or remediation for students at risk of falling behind.
Getting into an LPN program is more than meeting a GPA cutoff, it’s the first step in a licensure pipeline that spans exams, background checks, and state fees. Understanding the full sequence helps you budget time and money before you ever set foot in a clinical rotation.
Most Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) practical nursing programs near Brookfield require these before you enroll:
After graduating from an approved program, you’ll apply for licensure by examination through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) LicensE online portal. The process includes:
Plan to take the NCLEX-PN soon after graduation; if a retake is necessary, DSPS charges a $15 reapplication fee. Wisconsin is an NLC compact state, which streamlines multi-state practice after licensure.
WTCS practical nursing programs often have more qualified applicants than seats, creating waitlists. To improve your chances, apply to multiple schools within a commutable radius of Brookfield, including those in nearby counties. Complete prerequisites early, aim for scores above the minimum cutoffs, and submit all materials before deadlines. Some programs use a point-based ranking that rewards healthcare experience or prior degrees. By understanding the full admission-to-licensure timeline, you can avoid gaps that delay your entry into the workforce.
How long does it take to become an LPN in the Brookfield area, and what will you learn along the way?
Most practical nursing programs near Brookfield run about 12 months full-time, with part-time options extending to 18 months. The full-time diploma at Herzing University Brookfield, for example, spans 12 months and is offered on-campus. Total credit hours typically range from 40 to 50 depending on the school, though exact numbers vary.
LPN training follows a structured arc that builds from foundational concepts to hands-on patient care. Core courses include fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. Programs incorporate lab simulations and supervised clinical rotations to reinforce classroom learning. At Herzing, clinical experiences cover medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric settings, giving students broad exposure.
Rotations are a central part of any LPN program. They require students to practice skills in real healthcare environments, often under the guidance of experienced nurses. At Herzing’s Brookfield campus, rotations take place at local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics, with shifts that can include early mornings, days, evenings, and some weekends. This prepares students for the realities of nursing schedules.
While many students choose the fast-paced full-time track, working adults often need flexibility. Herzing and nearby Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) schools like Waukesha County Technical College and Milwaukee Area Technical College may offer day and evening class sections. Part-time study, where available, spreads the curriculum over 18 months or more, reducing the weekly time commitment but extending the total timeline. Because clinical schedules are set by partner sites, students should expect some variation in hours from term to term. Always confirm current scheduling options directly with the program, as availability can change.
Earnings for LPNs can vary widely by location, experience, and work setting. While detailed wage breakdowns for the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area are not provided here, national figures offer a relevant reference point. In 2023, the median annual wage for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses nationwide was $59,730. The lowest 10% earned below $45,670, while the top 10% earned above $77,870. The middle 50% ranged from $50,640 to $67,140.1 These figures suggest that LPNs in the Brookfield area, which sits within the greater Milwaukee region, can expect competitive pay relative to national averages.
The BLS projects national employment for LPNs to grow by 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations, adding roughly 54,400 openings each year due to turnover and new positions.2 Wisconsin-specific demand is expected to mirror this trend, with particular strength in long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health services as the state’s population ages. Graduates of LPN programs in Wisconsin, including those near Brookfield, will find opportunities across Waukesha County and the broader metro area in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
LPNs advancing to RN have two primary bridge paths: an LPN-to-ADN, typically completed in 12–18 months at a technical college, or an LPN-to-BSN, which takes about three years and culminates in a bachelor’s degree. Both options grant credit for prior LPN education, cutting roughly a year off the traditional timeline.
Several southeastern Wisconsin schools offer LPN-to-ADN bridges. Milwaukee Area Technical College’s LPN to ADN Progression grants up to 19 advanced standing credits and requires 48 additional credits, finish in as few as 12 months. Waukesha County Technical College’s LPN to RN Nursing Bridge places students directly into the third semester of the ADN program after bridge coursework. Moraine Park Technical College’s LPN to ADN Bridge Track, with 68 credits, enters the second year, while Madison College’s Nursing Completion: LPN to ADN (65 credits) admits students into the third semester after a bridge course.
For those targeting a BSN, Herzing University in Brookfield offers an LPN to BSN Bridge. The 120-credit program spans 36 months and provides faster bachelor’s completion than starting from scratch.
The return on investment is clear. In the Milwaukee metro, the salary jump from LPN to RN can add tens of thousands to your annual earnings, making bridge programs a fast-track to higher pay and expanded nursing roles.
Still have questions about LPN programs in Brookfield? Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, drawing on data from our rankings, cost comparisons, and salary analysis. If you need more details, explore the full guide above.
